JPH10304334A - Communication method and device, transmission device and reception device, communication system and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a high quality picture, and to improve communication efficiency by transmitting, from a transmission side over a transmission path, moving image data with prescribed resolution or frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on an instruction from a reception side. SOLUTION: A personal computer 120 transmits a picture data request through a network 160. Then, according to the operation of a user, the personal computer 120 transmits an answer concerning resolution or a frame rate through a network 160 in response to an inquiry request from a video camera 110. In the video camera 110, a control circuit determines resolution or a frame rate closest to the answer from the personal computer 120. The video camera 110 transmits a picture with the resolution or the frame rate suited to the request from each personal computer 120-150 so that a picture with low quality suited for monitoring or an important picture with high quality can be obtained. Thus, efficient communication is attained, and a high quality picture is displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention stores, for example, a communication method for communicating moving image data via a network, a communication device, a transmission device, a reception device, a communication system, and processing steps for performing communication processing. Regarding storage media,
In particular, the present invention relates to a communication method, a communication device, a transmission device, a reception device, a communication system, and a storage medium for receiving digital moving image data on a receiving side and displaying a screen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of personal computers (hereinafter, referred to as personal computers), personal computer communication such as modem communication for transmitting various information and communication on the Internet have been frequently performed.

For example, an image obtained by photographing using a video camera is captured by a personal computer and stored as moving image data, and further, the moving image data is transmitted to a communication system using an Ethernet or a modem. It has become possible to send the data to another personal computer or host computer via a network such as a line.

On the other hand, recently, a format for processing image data with a hierarchical data structure has been proposed.

[0005]

However, when the above-mentioned moving image data is transmitted by the conventional communication method, there are the following problems.

First, since the amount of moving image data is very large, the transmission bit rate from a video camera to a personal computer for obtaining moving image data is extremely high.

For example, when transmitting an image having 640 pixels in the horizontal direction and 480 pixels in the vertical direction at a rate of 30 frames per second, with R, G, and B data each being 8 bits, the transmission bit rate in this case Is 640 x 480 x 30 x 3 x 8 = 221184000b
It is about 220 Mbit / s.

[0008] When such high bit rate moving image data is transmitted, the loads on the transmitting device, the network, and the receiving device become very large.

Therefore, conventionally, when transmitting moving image data, the transmission capability of the network is monopolized, the number of lines that can be used simultaneously decreases, and other communication may be interrupted.

Also, the receiving personal computer or the like uses most of its ability to receive moving image data having a very large data amount, and cannot perform other arithmetic processing. In particular, in order to check the received video data, the image may be reduced and displayed on the screen,
Even when only monitoring is performed in this way, the data amount of the received moving image data does not change, so that the load on the receiving side remains large.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, there is a communication method of transmitting an image by compressing the image, reducing the resolution, or reducing the frame rate. Even if the received image is displayed on the screen after being greatly enlarged to appreciate it, the image quality is not so much improved, and thus the image is viewed with poor image quality.

The present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and a communication method, a communication device, a transmission device, and a communication method capable of obtaining a high-quality image and efficiently communicating. An object is to provide a receiving device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method for providing moving image data transmitted from a transmitting side to a receiving side via a transmission line, wherein the transmitting side is instructed by the receiving side. The moving image data of a predetermined resolution or frame rate obtained from the hierarchical data on the basis of is transmitted to the transmission path. A second invention is a communication method for providing video data transmitted from a transmission side to a reception side via a transmission path, wherein the transmission side transmits video data at a frame rate based on an instruction from the reception side. The data is transmitted to the transmission line. In a third aspect based on the first or second aspect, the transmitting side transmits, among the hierarchized moving image data, moving image data of a hierarchy based on an instruction from the receiving side. . In a fourth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the receiving side instructs the input side of the input resolution or frame rate to the transmitting side. In a fifth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the transmitting side transmits moving image data obtained by imaging the subject. In a sixth aspect based on the first or second aspect, the transmitting side transmits a type of moving image data based on an instruction from the receiving side among a plurality of types of moving image data. In a seventh aspect based on the first or second aspect, the receiving side displays moving image data from the transmitting side on a screen. An eighth invention is a communication method between a transmitting side that generates digital moving image data and a receiving side that receives the digital moving image data via a network and displays the screen on a screen, wherein the method is set by the receiving side. The transmitting side notifies the transmitting side of the resolution or the frame rate, and the transmitting side provides the receiving side with moving image data of a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on the notification. A ninth invention is a communication method between a transmitting side that generates digital moving image data and a receiving side that receives the digital moving image data via a network and displays the screen on a screen. The transmitting side notifies the transmitting side of the received frame rate, and the transmitting side provides the receiving side with moving image data having a frame rate based on the notification. A tenth invention is a communication device for providing moving image data transmitted from a transmitting unit to a receiving unit via a transmission path, wherein the transmitting unit obtains moving image data and the moving image obtaining unit obtains the moving image data. Transmitting means for transmitting the received moving image data to the transmission path, wherein the transmitting means transmits moving image data having a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on an instruction from the receiving means. It is characterized by. An eleventh invention is a communication device for providing moving image data transmitted from a transmitting unit to a receiving unit via a transmission path, wherein the transmitting unit includes a moving image acquiring unit that acquires moving image data, and a moving image acquiring unit that acquires the moving image data. Transmitting means for transmitting the obtained moving image data to the transmission path,
The transmitting means transmits moving image data at a frame rate based on an instruction from the receiving means. In a twelfth aspect based on the tenth or eleventh aspect, the transmission means includes a layering means for layering the moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means, and the transmission means comprises: In the obtained hierarchical data, moving image data of a hierarchy based on an instruction from the receiving means is transmitted. The thirteenth invention is directed to the tenth invention.
Alternatively, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect, the receiving unit includes an input unit for inputting a resolution or a frame rate, and instructs the transmitting unit on the resolution or the frame rate input by the input unit. In a fourteenth aspect based on the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect, the moving image acquisition unit includes:
It is characterized by including imaging means for imaging the subject and obtaining the moving image data. The fifteenth invention is directed to the tenth or first aspect.
In one aspect, the moving image acquisition unit includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of moving image data, and the transmission unit includes:
A moving image data of a type based on an instruction from the receiving unit is transmitted from a plurality of types of image data stored in the storage unit. In a sixteenth aspect based on the tenth or eleventh aspect, the reception means includes a display means for displaying moving image data from the transmission means on a screen. A seventeenth invention is a communication apparatus including a transmitting means for generating digital moving image data, and a receiving means for receiving the digital moving image data via a network and displaying the screen on a screen, wherein the receiving means includes Notifying the transmitting means of the resolution or frame rate,
The transmitting means provides the receiving means with moving image data having a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on the notification from the receiving means. An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a communication apparatus including a transmitting unit for generating digital moving image data, and a receiving unit for receiving the digital moving image data via a network and displaying the screen on a screen. The transmitting unit notifies the transmitting unit of the frame rate, and the transmitting unit supplies the receiving unit with moving image data having a frame rate based on the notification from the receiving unit. A nineteenth invention is a transmission apparatus for transmitting moving image data to a transmission path, comprising: moving image acquisition means for obtaining moving image data; and transmission means for transmitting the moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means to the transmission path. The transmitting means transmits moving image data of a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on an instruction given via the transmission path. A twentieth invention is a transmission device for transmitting moving image data to a transmission path, comprising: moving image acquisition means for obtaining moving image data; and transmission means for transmitting the moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means to the transmission path. The transmitting means transmits moving image data at a frame rate based on an instruction given via the transmission path. 21st
In the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, the transmitting means includes a layering means for layering the moving image data obtained by the moving image acquiring means, and the transmitting means is obtained by the layering means. It is characterized in that, out of the hierarchized data, moving image data of a hierarchy based on the instruction is transmitted. According to a twenty-second aspect, in the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, the moving image acquisition unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain the moving image data. In a twenty-third aspect based on the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, the moving image acquisition unit includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of types of moving image data, and the sending unit includes a plurality of types of image data stored in the storage unit. A feature is that, of the data, the type of moving image data based on the instruction is transmitted. The twenty-fourth invention is
A receiving device for receiving, via a transmission path, moving image data transmitted from a transmitting side, comprising: instruction means for instructing the transmission side of a resolution or a frame rate; and receiving means for obtaining from the hierarchical data based on the instruction of the instruction means. Receiving means for receiving moving image data having a predetermined resolution or a predetermined frame rate. A twenty-fifth invention is a receiving apparatus for receiving, via a transmission path, moving image data transmitted from a transmitting side, and instructing means for instructing the transmitting side on a frame rate; and a frame based on an instruction of the instructing means. Receiving means for receiving the moving image data of the rate. According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect, the receiving means includes:
It is characterized by receiving moving image data of a hierarchy based on the instruction of the instruction means. In a twenty-seventh aspect based on the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, there is provided input means for inputting a resolution or a frame rate, and the instructing means instructs the transmitting side on the resolution or the frame rate input by the input means. It is characterized by the following. The twenty-eighth invention is directed to the second aspect.
In the invention according to 4 or 25, the receiving means receives moving image data obtained by imaging a subject. In a twenty-ninth aspect based on the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect, the receiving means receives, of a plurality of types of image data, a type of moving image data based on an instruction from the instruction means. According to a thirtieth aspect, in the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect, a display means for displaying the received moving image data on a screen is provided. The thirty-first invention is
A communication system according to any one of claims 10 to 18, a transmission device according to claims 19 to 23, and a reception device according to claims 24 to 30.
According to a thirty-second aspect, the present invention is a storage medium in which processing steps according to the communication method according to the first to ninth aspects are readable by a computer.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment will be described.

The communication method according to the present invention is implemented, for example, by a communication system 100 as shown in FIG. 1, and this communication system 100 is one to which the communication system according to the present invention is applied.

That is, the communication system 100 includes a video camera 110 having a network communication function, and four personal computers (personal computers) 120, 130, 140, and 150 having a network communication function. Each personal computer 120, 13
0, 140, and 150 are connected by a network 160.

The video camera 110 is one to which the transmitting device according to the present invention is applied.
Reference numerals 50 each apply the receiving device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, a video camera 110 includes a lens 111 as an image pickup optical system and a lens 1.
An imaging element 112 on which the output light of the imaging element 11 is formed; a signal processing circuit 113 to which the output of the imaging element 112 is supplied; a hierarchical data creation circuit 114 to which the output of the signal processing circuit 113 is supplied; A memory 115 to which the output of the creation circuit 114 is supplied, a control circuit 116 to which the output of the memory 115 is supplied, a network interface circuit 118 connected to the control circuit 116, and a network connection terminal connected to the network interface circuit 118 119, and the video camera 110 is connected to the network 160 of FIG. 1 through a network connection terminal 119.

Each of the personal computers 120 to 150 has, for example, a different data processing capability, screen display resolution, and screen display capability.

Therefore, a series of operations of the communication system 100 will be described first.

First, in the video camera 110, light from a subject image (not shown) is focused on an imaging surface of an imaging element 112 via a lens 111.

The image pickup device 112 is composed of, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD), photoelectrically converts light from the lens 111 to generate an image pickup signal, and supplies the image pickup signal to the signal processing circuit 113. .

The signal processing circuit 113 generates a moving image signal by performing predetermined signal processing on the image pickup signal from the image pickup device 112, and supplies the moving image signal to the hierarchical data creation circuit 114.

Although the details will be described later, the hierarchical data creation circuit 114 converts the moving image signal from the signal processing circuit 113 into image data (hereinafter, also referred to as hierarchical data) hierarchized in the direction of the number of pixels and the time axis. ), And temporarily stores the image data in the memory 115.

The control circuit 116 controls each personal computer 1 connected to the network 160 via the network interface 118 and the network connection terminal 119.
Exchange commands with 20-150.

The control circuit 116 sends the image data stored in the memory 115 to each of the personal computers 120 to 150 via the network interface 118 and the network connection terminal 119. At this time, although the details will be described later, the control circuit 116
Instead of sending out all the image data stored in the memory 15, only the image data corresponding to the requested resolution and frame rate is sent out by a command given from each of the personal computers 120 to 150.

Therefore, only the image data corresponding to the resolution and the frame rate requested by each personal computer are supplied to each of the personal computers 120 to 150 via the network 160.

Each of the personal computers 120 to 150 stores the supplied image data, or displays the monitor on the image data.

Next, the hierarchical data generated by the hierarchical data creation circuit 114 and stored in the memory 115 will be specifically described.

For example, from the signal processing circuit 113 to the hierarchical data creation circuit 114, four frames (frames 1 to
When the moving image signal of 4) is supplied, the hierarchical data creation circuit 114 converts the supplied moving image signal of four frames into
As shown in FIG. 3, data D1-1, D1-2, D1-
3 and data D2-1 and D2-1.
Image data D2 composed of D2-2 and D2-3;
Image data D3 including data D3-1, D3-2, and D3-3, and data D4-1, D4-2, and D4-3.
Is generated.

The image data D1 is data representing the image of the first frame of the moving image, the image data D2 is data representing the image of the next frame 2, and the image data D3 is the data of the next frame. 3, and the image data D4 is data representing the image of the next frame 4.

The image data D1 represents all the images of the frame 1, while the image data D2 represents only the difference between the image of the previous frame 1 and the image of the next frame 2. Similarly, the image data D3 also represents only the difference between the image of the previous frame 2 and the image of the next frame 3. Similarly, the image data D4 also represents only the difference between the image of the previous frame 3 and the image of the next frame 4.

Further, in the image data D1, of the data D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 constituting the image data D1,
Data D1-1 is data representing a low-resolution image represented by the smallest number of pixels, and data D1-2 is a medium-resolution image having a larger number of pixels than the low-resolution image represented by data D1-1. Is the difference data obtained by excluding the data of the low-resolution image represented by the data D1-1 from the image data of. Similarly, the data D1-3 is converted from the high-resolution image data having more pixels than the medium-resolution image represented by the data D1-2 to the low-resolution image represented by the data D1-1. This is difference data excluding the data and the data of the medium resolution image represented by the data D1-2.

Further, image data D2 to image data D4
Also, similarly to the image data D1, the resolution is set to three levels,
The data Dx-1, Dx-2, and Dx-3 are configured.

Therefore, the image data D1 to D4 hierarchized as described above are stored in the memory 115.

Although the resolution is set to three levels here,
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of steps of the resolution may be in a range of about 2 to 10 steps depending on the processing capacity and necessity of the system. For example, if the lowest resolution is 16 × 16 pixels used for displaying icons on a personal computer,
The resolution is set to five levels of × 60 pixels, 160 × 120 pixels, 240 × 180 pixels, 320 × 240 pixels, and 640 × 480 pixels.

Further, the number of frames is set to "4" (frames 1 to 4), and the hierarchical data to be generated is defined as "D1 to D
4 ", but may be in the range of about 4 to 30 frames depending on the processing capacity and necessity of the system. Here, even if the number of frames to be set is different, data representing all the images for one frame is D1-1, D1-
2, D1-3, and D2-1, D2-
2, D2-3, Dn-1, Dn-2, Dn-3 (n: frame number)
Up to.

Next, the operation timing of the video camera 110 and each of the personal computers 120 to 150 will be specifically described.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a program memory 220 storing a communication program is connected to the personal computer 120.
Is configured to communicate with the video camera 110 by reading and executing a communication program from the program memory 220. In addition, other personal computers 130,
Similarly, the communication programs 140 and 150 are not shown, but are read from the program memory and executed to communicate with the video camera 110.

On the other hand, the video camera 110
As shown in the figure, a program memory 210 connected to the control circuit 116 is built in. The control circuit 116 reads out and executes a communication program stored in the program memory 210, so that the video camera 110 It is adapted to communicate with 120-150.

The communication program executed by the video camera 110 is, for example, a program according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The communication program executed in 150 is, for example, a program according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The program memory 210 and the program memory 220 storing the programs according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are those to which the storage medium according to the present invention is applied. In each of the personal computers 120 to 150, the program memory 220 is externally connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided internally. Further, in the video camera 110, the program memory 210 is incorporated, but the invention is not limited to this, and the video memory 110 may be connected externally as an external storage device. In FIG. 4, the solid line indicates the flow of control, and the dotted line indicates the flow of commands and data on the network 160.

First, the video camera 110 is controlled by the control circuit 1
02 waits for a communication request until the communication request is received (step S211).

Therefore, an arbitrary personal computer, for example, the personal computer 120 sends out a communication request via the network 160 (step S221).

Next, in the video camera 110, the control circuit 116 responds to a communication request from the personal computer 120 to
The communication permission for the personal computer 120 is sent to the network 160
(Step S212).

Next, the personal computer 120 is connected to the video camera 1
The image data request is transmitted via the network 160 according to the communication permission from the server 10 (step S222).

Next, in the video camera 110, the control circuit 116 sends out a request for an inquiry about a resolution or a frame rate via the network 160 in response to an image data request from the personal computer 120 (step S21).
3).

Next, the personal computer 120 is connected to the video camera 1
In response to the inquiry request from 10, for example, a message prompting the user to input the size of the display area and the setting value is displayed on the screen. Thereby, the user of the personal computer 120
By operating a mouse, a keyboard, or the like (not shown), the size of a desired display area, such as the size of a frame for displaying a moving image on the screen, and a set value are input. And the personal computer 120
Sends the answer of the resolution and the frame rate via the network 160 in accordance with the operation of the user (step S223).

Next, in the video camera 110, the control circuit 116 sets the resolution and frame rate closest to the answer from the personal computer 120 (step S21).
4). Specifically, for example, in the memory 115, the set values of the resolution and the frame rate of a plurality of patterns are stored in advance in correspondence with the hierarchical data as shown in FIG. Therefore, the control circuit 116 selects and sets the resolution and frame rate setting values closest to the answer from the personal computer 120 from among the setting values of the resolution and frame rate of the plurality of patterns.

Then, the control circuit 116
Out of the image data stored in the network 160, only the necessary image data corresponding to the set resolution and frame rate are read out and transmitted via the network 160 (step S).
215).

Therefore, the personal computer 120 receives the image data transmitted by the video camera 110, and performs a screen display or the like using the image data (step S224).

In the above description of the operation timing,
The operation timings of the video camera 110 and one personal computer 120 have been described.
0 is the same as the personal computer 120, and the video camera 110
Communicate with Also, when a communication request is sent from each of the personal computers to the video camera 110, the video camera 110 sends the request to each of the personal computers in step S21.
1 to step S215 are performed.

In FIG. 4, when image data is transmitted / received (steps S215 and S224), if the resolution or frame rate is input again by the user of the personal computer, the video camera 11
0 may change the previously set resolution or frame rate to the input resolution or frame rate. Accordingly, when the user of the personal computer inputs the resolution and the frame rate again, the image data transmitted to the personal computer is changed accordingly. Therefore, the user of the personal computer can change the resolution and the frame rate once input when the user wants to change it, and can obtain an image at the changed resolution and frame rate.

As described above, in the first embodiment, 1
PCs 120 to 150 from one video camera 110
At this time, the video camera 110 transmits the image data at the number of pixels, the number of colors (resolution) and the frame rate of the screen according to the request from each of the personal computers 120 to 150. With this configuration, compared to the conventional case where image data is always transmitted at the maximum number of pixels and the maximum frame rate and image data received and processed by a personal computer on the receiving side is displayed on the network, The total amount of data flowing through 160 can be significantly reduced. Also, the processing load inside the video camera 110 can be greatly reduced, and each of the personal computers 120 to
Similarly, the processing load of the 150 can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, since the resolution and frame rate required of the video camera 110 can be arbitrarily set and changed as necessary, for example, a low-quality image suitable for monitoring or an important high-quality image Obtainable.
Therefore, while being able to perform efficient communication,
A desired high quality image can also be obtained.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

The communication method according to the present invention is implemented by, for example, a communication system 300 as shown in FIG. 5, and this communication system 300 is an application of the communication system according to the present invention.

In the communication system 300 shown in FIG. 5, the parts operating in the same manner as the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this communication system 300, a moving image server 310 is provided instead of the video camera 110 provided in the communication system 100 shown in FIG. Also, a disk device 320 is connected to the moving image server 310.

The moving image server 310 is not shown,
It has a built-in CPU, memory, hard disk for temporary storage of programs and data, and a network interface.

The disk device 320 includes a magneto-optical disk,
Or CDROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory)
) Or a large-capacity hard disk or the like, in which hierarchical data as shown in FIG. 3 is stored in advance.

Therefore, in the communication system 300, the moving image server 310 transmits the hierarchical data (image data) stored in the disk device 320 in advance to the personal computer 12.
According to the request of 0 to 150, the resolution and the frame rate are set, read out and transmitted. At this time, the first
In the embodiment, one type of image data currently captured by the video camera 110 is transmitted. However, here, a plurality of image data is stored in the disk device 320, and the request of each of the personal computers 120 to 150 is transmitted. , A plurality of types of image data are transmitted at a plurality of timings.

Specifically, first, in the moving image server 310, a communication program is stored in a built-in hard disk, and the communication program is read out and executed by the built-in CPU, so that the moving image server 310 communicates with each of the personal computers 120-150.

On the other hand, a communication program is also stored in the program memory 220 connected to the personal computer 120, and the personal computer 120 reads out and executes the communication program, thereby performing communication with the moving image server 310. ing. In addition, other personal computers 130, 140,
Similarly, although not shown, the communication with the moving image server 310 is performed by executing the communication program.

The communication program executed by the moving image server 310 is, for example, a program according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The communication program executed at 50 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
This is a program according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The hard disk and the program memory 220 storing the program according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are those to which the storage medium according to the present invention is applied. In addition, each personal computer 12
In the case of 0 to 150, the program memory 220 is externally connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the program memory 220 may be provided internally. Furthermore, in the video camera 110, the above-mentioned hard disk is built in, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be connected to the outside as an external storage device. In FIG. 6, the solid line indicates the flow of control, and the dotted line indicates the flow of commands and data on the network 160.

Hereinafter, the operation of the communication system 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the moving image server 310 waits for a communication request until receiving a communication request (step S41).
1).

Then, an arbitrary personal computer, for example, personal computer 120 sends a communication request via network 160 (step S421).

Next, the moving image server 310
In response to the communication request from 0, the communication permission for the personal computer 120 is transmitted via the network 160 (step S412).

Next, the personal computer 120 connects to the moving image server 31.
With the communication permission from 0, an image data request is transmitted via the network 160 (step S422).

Next, the moving image server 310
In response to the image data request from 0, an inquiry request for the type of image and its resolution and frame rate is transmitted via the network 160 (step S413).

Next, the personal computer 120 connects to the moving image server 31.
In response to an inquiry request from 0, for example, a message prompting the input of the size of the display area and the set value is displayed on the screen. Thus, the user of the personal computer 120 operates a mouse, a keyboard, and the like (not shown) to select a desired image type, a size of a frame for displaying the moving image on the screen, and the like.
A desired display area size and set value are input. And
The personal computer 120 sends the answer of the image type, the resolution, and the frame rate via the network 160 according to the operation of the user (step S423).

Next, the moving image server 310
The type of image according to the answer from 0 and the resolution and frame rate closest to the answer are set (step S4).
14).

Next, the moving image server 310
Out of the image data stored in the
Then, only the image data corresponding to the resolution and the frame rate are read out and temporarily stored in a built-in hard disk or the like (step S415).

Then, the moving image server 310 converts the once stored image data into a data structure having no hierarchy (step S 416), and sends it out via the network (step S 417).

Next, the personal computer 120 connects to the moving image server 31.
Image data having a data structure having no hierarchy from 0 is temporarily stored in an internal memory (not shown) (step S42).
4).

Next, the personal computer 120 determines whether or not all the image data has been received (step S425), and performs the receiving process of step S424 until all the image data has been received.

When the personal computer 120 finishes receiving all the image data, the personal computer 120 performs screen display and the like using the image data stored in the internal memory as moving image data (step S426).

In the above description, the moving image server 310
Although the operation of one personal computer 120 has been described, the other personal computers 130 to 150 also communicate with the moving image server 310 in the same manner as the personal computer 120. Also, when a communication request is sent from each of the personal computers to the moving image server 310, the moving image server 310 performs the processing of steps S411 to S417 for each of the personal computers.

Further, as described above, the moving image server 310 transmits all the image data from the moving image server 310 to the personal computer 120 and temporarily stores the image data on the personal computer 120 side as described above. Or a synchronous method of transmitting image data of a predetermined number of frames from the moving image server 310 to the personal computer 120 at predetermined time intervals.

Further, although the conversion into a data structure without a hierarchy is performed on the moving image server 310 side, the conversion may be performed when the personal computer 120 receives the image data. The conversion may be performed later. Thereby, the processing load on the moving image server 310 can be reduced.

Further, when the image data received by the personal computer 120 is displayed on the screen, the screen display is started after all the image data has been received. May be performed after receiving the image data. In this case, since it is not necessary to wait until all the image data has been received, the time from the start of the reception of the image data to the start of the screen display can be shortened, and the capacity of the image data once stored is reduced. be able to.

As described above, in the second embodiment, a plurality of types of image data are stored in the disk device 320 of the moving image server 310, and the moving image server 310 meets the requests from the personal computers 120 to 150. By transmitting the image data at the number of pixels, the number of colors of the screen, the number of colors (resolution) and the frame rate, in addition to the effect obtained in the above-described first embodiment, a plurality of types of moving images can be displayed. Can be provided to each of the personal computers 120 to 150 at the timing described above. Further, since the video server 310 is configured to perform conversion into a data structure without a hierarchy, each of the personal computers 120 to 150 is converted.
Can reduce the processing load.

The hierarchical data in the first and second embodiments is data hierarchized in the direction of the number of pixels and the direction of the time axis, that is, data hierarchized in terms of resolution and time. However, for example, data hierarchized only in resolution, data hierarchized only in time, or data not hierarchized at all may be used.
For example, data of the MPEG system may be used. In this case, the transmitting side (video camera 110 or moving image server 310)
Means that all image data is read, converted in accordance with the resolution and frame rate returned from the receiving side (the personal computers 120 to 150), and transmitted. In this case, it is desirable that the processing capability of the transmitting side is higher for the conversion of the resolution and the frame rate. For example, as in the second embodiment, the moving image data to be transmitted is stored in the disk device 320. In the case where the information is stored, the operation of storing the information can be easily performed. In particular, when ready-made moving image data is used, the effect of using this method is great.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the transmitting side sets values close to the resolution and the frame rate returned from the receiving side. The resolution and the frame rate may be set. In this case, if the resolution or frame rate of the stored image data is exactly the same as the answer on the transmitting side, the image data is transmitted as it is, and if different, the image data is converted to the answered resolution or frame rate. Send out. Alternatively, on the transmitting side, similar to the first and second embodiments described above, values close to the resolution and frame rate returned from the receiving side are set, and image data corresponding to the set values are set. On the receiving side, the image is re-converted to the resolution and frame rate input by the user's operation, and the screen is displayed.
As a result, on the receiving side, it is possible to obtain an image that exactly matches the setting of the user. In the case of re-conversion on the receiving side, image data close to the settings of the user is supplied to the receiving side, so that the re-conversion can be performed by simple processing.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, or to an apparatus composed of one device.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions of the host and the terminal of the above-described embodiment to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing a program code stored in a storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and C-ROM.
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM
Etc. can be used.

By executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in an extension board inserted into the computer or an extension unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0093]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the moving image data having the resolution or the frame rate specified by the receiving side is transmitted, the maximum data is always obtained as in the prior art. The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced as compared with a configuration in which moving image data having the number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is transmitted. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmission side, the transmission path, and the reception side. For example, when simply monitoring the transmitted moving image data on the receiving side, it is possible to transmit with a small communication load by instructing the transmitting side on a low resolution or a low frame rate. In the case of an important moving image, the high-resolution or high frame rate is instructed to the transmitting side, so that the important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to a second invention,
By transmitting video data at the frame rate specified by the receiver, video data with the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is always transmitted, as in the past. Configuration,
The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmission side, the transmission path, and the reception side. For example, when simply monitoring the transmitted moving image data on the receiving side, it is possible to transmit with a small communication load by instructing the transmitting side to set a low frame rate. In the case of important moving images, etc., by instructing the transmission side to a high frame rate,
The important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the moving image data is hierarchized into a plurality of stages in terms of time, resolution, or time and resolution. Among them, by configuring to transmit the hierarchical data based on the resolution or the frame rate specified by the receiving side, it is possible to easily transmit the moving image data based on the resolution or the frame rate specified by the receiving side. . According to the fourth invention, in the first or second invention, it is possible to instruct the transmitting side of a resolution or a frame rate as required. Also, the resolution or the frame rate instructed to the transmitting side can be changed. This allows the receiving side to always obtain a moving image with a desired image quality. According to the fifth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the moving image obtained by imaging can be transmitted at the resolution or the frame rate specified by the receiving side. According to the sixth aspect, in the first or second aspect, a plurality of types of moving images can be transmitted at a resolution or a frame rate specified by the receiving side. Also, by instructing the transmitting side on the type of the desired image, the receiving side can obtain the desired type of image. According to the seventh invention,
In the first or second aspect, the transmitted moving image data can be confirmed on the screen. According to the eighth aspect, when the display screen is set to a small (low resolution) or low frame rate, a small communication load is applied, and when the display screen is set to a large (high resolution) or high frame rate, high image quality is obtained. Video data can be transmitted. This greatly reduces the total amount of data flowing on the transmission path compared to a configuration in which moving image data having the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is always transmitted as in the conventional case. Can be. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmitting side, the network, and the receiving side. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the ninth aspect, when the low frame rate is set,
With a small communication load and a high frame rate, moving image data can be transmitted with high image quality.
This greatly reduces the total amount of data flowing on the transmission path compared to a configuration in which moving image data having the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is always transmitted as in the conventional case. Can be. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmitting side, the network, and the receiving side. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, moving image data having a resolution or a frame rate specified by the receiving unit is transmitted, so that the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum Rate (high frame rate)
The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced as compared with the configuration for transmitting moving image data. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmitting means, the transmission path, and the receiving means. For example, in the case where the received moving image data is simply monitored by the receiving means, it is possible to transmit the moving image data with a small communication load by instructing the transmitting means of a low resolution or a low frame rate. In the case of an important moving image, etc., the high-resolution or high frame rate is instructed to the transmitting means, so that the important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the moving image data of the frame rate specified by the receiving means is transmitted, the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate are always always maintained as in the related art. (High frame rate)
The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced as compared with the configuration for transmitting moving image data. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmitting means, the transmission path, and the receiving means. For example, in the case where the received moving image data is simply monitored by the receiving means, transmission can be performed with a small communication load by instructing the transmitting means to set a low frame rate. In the case of important videos, etc.,
By instructing the transmitting means to set a high frame rate, the important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the twelfth invention,
In the tenth or eleventh aspect, the moving image data is hierarchized into a plurality of stages in terms of time, resolution, or time and resolution. By transmitting hierarchical data based on resolution or frame rate,
The moving image data based on the resolution or the frame rate specified by the receiving means can be easily transmitted. First
According to the third aspect, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, it is possible to instruct the transmitting means of a required resolution or frame rate. Also, the resolution or the frame rate instructed to the transmitting means can be changed. This allows the receiving means to always obtain a moving image with a desired image quality. According to a fourteenth aspect, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, the moving image obtained by imaging can be transmitted at the resolution or the frame rate specified by the receiving unit. According to a fifteenth aspect, in the tenth or eleventh aspect, a plurality of types of moving images can be transmitted at a resolution or a frame rate specified by the receiving unit. Also, by instructing the transmitting unit on the type of the desired image, the receiving unit can obtain the desired type of image. According to the sixteenth aspect, in the tenth aspect,
Alternatively, in the invention of the eleventh aspect, the transmitted moving image data can be confirmed on the screen. According to the seventeenth aspect, when the display screen is set to a small (low resolution) or low frame rate, a small communication load is used, and when the display screen is set to a large (high resolution) or high frame rate, high image quality is obtained. Video data can be transmitted. This allows
The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced as compared with a configuration in which moving image data having the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is always transmitted as in the related art. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmitting means, the network, and the receiving means. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to transmit moving image data with a small communication load when the frame rate is set to a low frame rate and with high image quality when the frame rate is set to a high frame rate. This greatly reduces the total amount of data flowing on the transmission path compared to a configuration in which moving image data having the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is always transmitted as in the conventional case. Can be. In addition, it is possible to reduce the load on each of the transmitting means, the network, and the receiving means. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently.
According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since the moving image data having the designated resolution or frame rate is transmitted, the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) is always maintained as in the related art.
The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced as compared with a configuration in which moving image data having a maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is transmitted. In addition, it is possible to reduce the loads on the apparatus, the transmission path, and the side that receives the moving image data. For example, when simply monitoring the transmitted moving image data on the receiving side, it is possible to transmit with a small communication load by instructing the present apparatus to set a low resolution or a low frame rate. In the case of an important moving image or the like, the high-resolution or high frame rate is instructed to the present apparatus, so that the important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, by transmitting the moving image data of the designated frame rate,
The total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced as compared with a configuration in which moving image data having the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame rate (high frame rate) is always transmitted as in the related art. In addition, it is possible to reduce the loads on the apparatus, the transmission path, and the side that receives the moving image data. For example, when simply monitoring the transmitted moving image data on the receiving side, it is possible to transmit with a small communication load by instructing the apparatus to set a low frame rate. Also, in the case of an important moving image or the like, by instructing the apparatus to have a high frame rate, the important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the twenty-first aspect, the first aspect
In the invention of the ninth or twentieth aspect, the moving image data is hierarchized into a plurality of stages in terms of time, or in terms of resolution, or in terms of time and resolution. By transmitting the hierarchical data based on the resolution, the moving image data based on the specified resolution or frame rate can be easily transmitted. According to the twenty-second aspect, in the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, the moving image obtained by imaging can be transmitted at the specified resolution or frame rate. According to a twenty-third aspect, in the nineteenth or twentieth aspect, a plurality of types of moving images can be transmitted at the specified resolution or frame rate. Also, it is possible to transmit the specified type of moving image. According to the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, moving image data is always received with the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum, As compared with the configuration in which the data is transmitted at the frame rate (high frame rate), the total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced, and the processing load on the device can be reduced. For example, when simply monitoring the transmitted moving image data, by instructing the transmitting side to a low resolution or a low frame rate, moving image data of an image quality suitable for monitoring can be obtained. Processing load can be reduced. In the case of an important moving image, etc., the high-resolution or high frame rate is instructed to the transmitting means, so that the important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, moving image data is always received with the maximum number of pixels (high resolution) and the maximum frame number as in the related art by being configured to receive the moving image data at the frame rate instructed to the transmitting side. Compared to a configuration in which data is transmitted at a high rate (high frame rate), the total amount of data flowing on the transmission path can be significantly reduced, and the processing load on the device can be reduced. For example, when simply monitoring the transmitted moving image data, by instructing the transmitting side to set a low frame rate, it is possible to obtain moving image data of an image quality suitable for monitoring. Can be reduced. Also, in the case of a moving image or the like that is important, by instructing the transmission unit to set a high frame rate,
The important moving image can be obtained with high image quality. Therefore, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently. According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, the moving image data is hierarchized into a plurality of stages in terms of time, resolution, or time and resolution. Of these, by configuring to receive hierarchical data based on the specified resolution or frame rate, the present apparatus can easily transmit moving image data based on the specified resolution or frame rate. According to the twenty-seventh aspect, in the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to instruct the transmitting side of a necessary resolution or frame rate. Also, the resolution or the frame rate instructed to the transmitting side can be changed. Thereby, a moving image can always be obtained with a desired image quality. According to the twenty-eighth aspect,
In the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, the moving image obtained by imaging can be received at the specified resolution or frame rate. According to a twenty-ninth aspect, in the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to receive a plurality of types of moving images at the specified resolution or frame rate. Also,
By instructing the transmission side on the type of the desired image, the desired type of image can be obtained. According to the thirtieth aspect, in the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect, the transmitted moving image data can be confirmed on the screen. Thirty first
According to the invention, the communication device according to claims 10 to 18, the transmission device according to claims 19 to 23, and the communication devices according to claims 24 to 30
Any of the receiving devices described above can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, and this system can obtain a high-quality image and efficiently transmit moving image data. Can be. According to the thirty-second aspect, the storage medium storing the processing steps according to the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and the computer (or C) of the system or the apparatus is provided.
By reading and executing the processing steps stored in the storage medium by the PU or MPU, a high-quality image can be obtained, and moving image data can be transmitted efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system to which a communication system according to the present invention is applied in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video camera of the communication system.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining hierarchical data generated by a hierarchical data generation circuit of the communication system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the communication system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system to which a communication system according to the present invention is applied in a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the communication system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 communication system 110 video camera 120 to 150 personal computer 160 network 220 program memory

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A communication method for providing video data transmitted from a transmission side to a reception side via a transmission path, wherein the transmission side obtains a predetermined data obtained from hierarchical data based on an instruction from the reception side. A communication method comprising transmitting moving image data having a resolution or a frame rate to the transmission path. 2. A communication method for providing video data transmitted from a transmission side to a reception side via a transmission path, wherein the transmission side transmits the video data having a frame rate based on an instruction from the reception side. A communication method characterized by transmitting to a transmission path. 3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting side transmits moving image data of a layer based on an instruction from the receiving side, out of the layered moving image data. 4. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving side instructs the input side of the input resolution or frame rate to the transmitting side. 5. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting side transmits moving image data obtained by imaging a subject. 6. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting side sends out moving image data of a type based on an instruction from the receiving side, out of a plurality of types of moving image data. 7. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving side displays moving image data from the transmitting side on a screen. 8. A communication method between a transmitting side for generating digital moving image data and a receiving side for receiving the digital moving image data via a network and displaying the screen on a screen, the method comprising: A communication method, wherein a resolution or a frame rate is notified to the transmitting side, and the transmitting side provides the receiving side with moving image data having a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on the notification. 9. A communication method between a transmitting side that generates digital moving image data and a receiving side that receives the digital moving image data via a network and displays the screen on a screen, the method comprising: A communication method comprising: notifying a frame rate to the transmitting side; and providing the moving image data having a frame rate based on the notification to the receiving side. 10. A communication device for providing moving image data transmitted from a transmitting unit to a receiving unit via a transmission path, wherein the transmitting unit is obtained by a moving image obtaining unit that obtains moving image data and by the moving image obtaining unit. Transmitting means for transmitting moving image data to the transmission path, wherein the transmitting means transmits moving image data having a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on an instruction from the receiving means. Characteristic communication device. 11. A communication apparatus for providing moving image data transmitted from a transmitting unit to a receiving unit via a transmission path, wherein the transmitting unit is obtained by a moving image acquiring unit that obtains moving image data, and is obtained by the moving image acquiring unit. Transmitting means for transmitting moving image data to the transmission path, wherein the transmitting means transmits moving image data at a frame rate based on an instruction from the receiving means. 12. The transmission means includes a layering means for layering the moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means, and the transmission means includes, among the layered data obtained by the layering means, 11. The moving picture data of a hierarchy based on an instruction from a receiving means is transmitted.
2. The communication device according to 1. 13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said receiving means includes an input means for inputting a resolution or a frame rate, and instructs said transmitting means on the resolution or frame rate input by said input means. The communication device as described. 14. The communication apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the moving image acquisition unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain the moving image data. 15. The moving image acquisition unit includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of moving image data, and the sending unit includes an instruction from the receiving unit among the plurality of types of image data stored in the storage unit. 2. A moving picture data of a type based on the video data is transmitted.
12. The communication device according to 0 or 11. 16. The communication apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said receiving means includes display means for displaying moving image data from the transmitting means on a screen. 17. A communication apparatus comprising: transmitting means for generating digital moving image data; and receiving means for receiving the digital moving image data via a network and displaying the screen on a screen, wherein the receiving means comprises Notifying the transmitting means of a resolution or a frame rate, wherein the transmitting means gives the receiving means moving image data of a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on the notification from the receiving means. Communication device. 18. A communication apparatus comprising: transmitting means for generating digital moving image data; and receiving means for receiving the digital moving image data via a network and displaying the screen on a screen, wherein the receiving means comprises A communication apparatus, comprising: notifying a frame rate to the transmission unit; and the transmission unit providing the reception unit with moving image data having a frame rate based on the notification from the reception unit. 19. A transmitting apparatus for transmitting moving image data to a transmission path, comprising: moving image acquisition means for obtaining moving image data; and transmission means for transmitting moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means to the transmission path. A transmitting device for transmitting moving image data having a predetermined resolution or a frame rate obtained from hierarchical data based on an instruction given via the transmission path. 20. A transmitting apparatus for transmitting moving image data to a transmission path, comprising: moving image acquisition means for obtaining moving image data; and transmission means for transmitting moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means to the transmission path. A transmitting apparatus, wherein the transmitting means transmits moving image data at a frame rate based on an instruction given via the transmission path. 21. The transmission means includes a layering means for layering the moving image data obtained by the moving image acquisition means, and the transmission means includes, among the layered data obtained by the layering means, 21. The transmitting device according to claim 19, wherein the transmitting device transmits moving image data of a hierarchy based on the instruction. 22. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the moving image acquisition unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject to obtain the moving image data. 23. The moving image acquisition unit includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of moving image data, and the sending unit includes a type based on the instruction among a plurality of types of image data stored in the storage unit. 21. The transmitting device according to claim 19, wherein the moving image data is transmitted. 24. A receiving device for receiving, via a transmission path, moving image data transmitted from a transmitting side, comprising: instructing means for instructing the transmitting side of a resolution or a frame rate; Receiving means for receiving moving image data of a predetermined resolution or frame rate obtained from hierarchical data. 25. A receiving apparatus for receiving, via a transmission path, moving image data transmitted from a transmission side, an instruction means for instructing the transmission side on a frame rate, and a frame rate based on an instruction from the instruction means. Receiving means for receiving the moving image data. 26. The receiving means according to claim 24, wherein the receiving means receives, among the hierarchized moving image data, moving image data of a hierarchy based on an instruction of the instruction means.
The receiving device according to the above. 27. An apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising: input means for inputting a resolution or a frame rate, wherein said instructing means instructs the transmitting side of the resolution or the frame rate input by said input means. The receiving device according to the above. 28. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said receiving means receives moving image data obtained by imaging a subject.
Or the receiving device according to 25. 29. The receiving apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said receiving means receives moving image data of a type based on an instruction of said instruction means, among a plurality of types of image data. 30. The receiving apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a display unit for displaying the received moving image data on a screen. 31. The communication device according to claim 10-18, the transmission device according to claim 19-23, and the communication device according to claim 24-30.
A communication system, which is a system including any one of the receiving devices described in the above. 32. A storage medium characterized in that processing steps according to the communication method according to claim 1 are readable by a computer.